Evidence supporting the use of: Blueberry
For the health condition: Cataracts
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has a longstanding reputation in traditional and folk medicine for supporting eye health, particularly in the context of conditions like cataracts and night vision. This stems largely from historic uses of related berries such as bilberry, which British pilots reportedly consumed during World War II to improve their night vision. Blueberries, like bilberries, are rich in anthocyanins—plant compounds believed to have antioxidant properties that may protect eye tissues from oxidative stress, a factor involved in cataract formation.
However, direct scientific evidence supporting the use of blueberries specifically for the prevention or treatment of cataracts is limited. The majority of studies have focused on the antioxidant potential of berry extracts in general or bilberry in particular, with only a few small studies suggesting possible protective effects against oxidative damage in eye tissues. Clinical trials in humans directly linking blueberry consumption to a decreased risk or reversal of cataracts are lacking. Most evidence is preclinical (from animal or in vitro studies) and theoretical, based on the general benefits of antioxidants.
In summary, while the traditional use of blueberries for eye health is well established, there is only weak scientific support for their specific role in cataract prevention or treatment. More robust clinical research is needed to validate these traditional claims.
Other health conditions supported by blueberry
Alzheimer's DiseaseArteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cataracts
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (with fever)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Concentration (poor)
Confusion
Constipation (children)
Dementia
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Eye Problems
Eyesight (poor)
Free Radical Damage
Hypertension
Inflammation
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Triglycerides (high)
Wrinkles
Products containing blueberry
Pure Encapsulations
Açai 600
Pure Encapsulations
CogniMag
Pure Encapsulations
CurcumaSorb Mind
Designs For Health
EssentiaGreens™
Douglas Laboratories
Juvenon Pro Cognitive
Klean Athlete
Klean Focus®
Klean Athlete
Klean Multivitamin ™
Vitabase
Life's Essentials Plus
Douglas Laboratories
Liquid Multivitamin
Metagenics
MetaKids Multi Soft Chew Grape
Douglas Laboratories
Optimized Curcumin With Neurophenol™
Thorne
Ovarian Care
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoGreens®
Designs For Health
PaleoReds®
Designs For Health
PhytoBiome™
Metagenics
PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Metagenics
PhytoMulti™ Multivitamin
Metagenics
PhytoMulti With Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMulti Without Iron
Metagenics
PhytoMultivitamin
Pure Encapsulations
Poly-Prebiotic Powder
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Pure Encapsulations
Polyphenol Nutrients
Designs For Health
Primal Multi™
Pure Encapsulations
PS Plus
Pure Encapsulations
PureLean® Protein
Pure Encapsulations
RevitalAge™ Ultra
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ® 2 Daily
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive ®-EZ Swallow
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Preventive® X
Douglas Laboratories
Ultra Protein Green
Metagenics
UltraMeal® Daily Support Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraMeal Daily Support Mixed Berry
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Active Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials® Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Healthy Balance Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Daily Packs
Metagenics
Wellness Essentials Women's Prime Daily Packs